Gambling for money is a common leisure time activity that has significant impacts on gamblers, their significant others and society. While many people enjoy gambling as a social activity, a small percentage become seriously involved and experience negative personal, family, and financial effects that significantly impact their quality of life. A public health approach to the study of gambling involves examining the costs and benefits to individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.
The psychiatric community has historically viewed pathological gambling as a compulsive behavior driven by an urge to relieve anxiety. In addition, some psychiatric experts have believed that gambling is a sign of mental illness and a symptom of underlying problems such as diminished mathematical skills, impaired judgment, cognitive distortions, or moral turpitude.
A growing number of scientists are re-evaluating the way in which gambling is viewed. Some scientists have begun to see a parallel between gambling and drug addiction. They have observed that a person may be addicted to gambling for the same reasons that someone might be addicted to drugs – because it produces a rush of pleasure, causes people to lose control of their emotions, and increases their self-esteem when they win.
Other researchers have criticized the use of the word “addiction” to describe gambling because it is not an addiction in the same sense as drugs. They argue that unlike drugs, gambling does not produce a physical withdrawal when the person stops playing. However, they acknowledge that gambling is addictive in the sense that it can cause a person to lose control of their finances, become preoccupied with thoughts about gambling and not other activities, or lie to family members and therapists about the extent of their involvement.
In a similar vein, other researchers have pointed out that the way in which people perceive gambling is biased because of the influence of marketing campaigns and media coverage of gambling activities. They have also argued that most studies on gambling do not include any measures of the social or interpersonal impacts of the activity. They argue that such a focus limits the range of potential benefits and costs and prevents a more balanced assessment of the overall impact of gambling.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with gambling addiction, try to stay calm and remember that they are not to blame for their problem. It is not easy to break free from a gambling habit. But you can help them by strengthening their support network, encouraging them to exercise more, enrolling them in an education class or a book club, or even suggesting that they join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. This is a 12-step program that helps recovering gamblers find a new direction in their lives. Often, this includes finding a sponsor, or a former gambler who has successfully beaten their addiction. Moreover, it is important to remember that you can be an active member of this support network as well by being available when your loved one needs a shoulder to lean on.